The Girl That Manifested India

Molloy student Sofia Garcia turns dreams into reality through the power of envisioning her goals

By Alani Banks

For Sofia Garcia, studying abroad in India was just a dream. she kept this dream alive through determination and manifestation.

Garcia, a Molloy University student pursuing a future in education recently received a full scholarship for Molloy’s India study abroad program. While many students might view an opportunity like this as unlikely. Garcia approached it with determination and hope. Although she initially was hesitant and felt doubtful she still chose to apply. Even when uncertainty crept into her mind she kept believing that she would receive some form of scholarship. Ultimately, that belief became a reality.

To keep herself motivated Garcia created a vision board that included a mock check and acceptance letter for a full scholarship. Along with a manifestation board filled with the experiences and lessons she hoped to gain while in India. She even set her vision board as the screensaver on her phone as a daily reminder of the goals she was working towards. Garcia said she focused on putting herself in the right mindset and eliminating doubt and anxiety. Through manifestation exercises, affirmations, and guidance from her manifestation coach Christiana, Garcia said she learned that “the power of manifestation lies with in ourselves and the belief that we deserve great things.”

“I kept telling myself that somehow it was going to happen,” Garcia said. “Even when I was nervous or unsure, I still believed in it.”

Garcia said her interest in culture and global learning began in the ninth grade. Her world history class sparked her curiosity about countries, their traditions, and the experiences of people outside of the United States and her home country El Salvador.

“That class made me realize how much there is outside of our own experiences,” Garcia said. “It made me want to learn more about the world and the people in it.”

As her interest in culture grew, so did her passion for education. Garcia said she hopes to become a teacher one day because she wants to create classrooms where students feel represented, understood, and encouraged to learn about people who are different from themselves.

“I want students to feel comfortable being themselves,” Garcia said. “Learning about other cultures helps people become more understanding and compassionate.”

One of the most impactful experiences in Garcia’s life came during her annual summer trip to El Salvador, where she visited a rural school and witnessed educational inequalities firsthand. The experience gave her a deeper appreciation for education and changed the way she viewed teaching.

According to Garcia, the classroom conditions were very different from what many students in the United States experience. Despite limited resources, the students remained eager to learn.

“Not everyone has access to the same opportunities,” Garcia said. “Seeing that made me appreciate education even more and made me realize how important teachers can be in someone’s life.”

While Garcia was excited about the India program, she admitted the process was not always easy. Applying for the scholarship came with uncertainty, pressure, and moments where she questioned whether she was capable of achieving a scholarship or whether she was qualified enough to receive such a competitive opportunity.

Still, she continued pushing herself.

According to Garcia, manifestation was not simply wishing for something without effort. She explained that it meant working toward a goal while keeping faith in the possibility of success.

“You can’t just hope for something and do nothing,” Garcia said. “You have to put in the work too.”

Garcia said she spent time preparing herself mentally and academically for the opportunity. She stayed committed to her goals and continued reminding herself why the experience mattered to her.

Her story also reflects a larger message about stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Garcia believes traveling allows people to challenge assumptions, grow emotionally, and become more open-minded.

“A lot of people only know what they see online or hear from other people,” Garcia said. “Actually experiencing another culture is completely different.”

As she prepared for the trip, Garcia hoped to immerse herself in the culture, connect with new people, and bring those experiences back with her into her future career.

She also hopes her story encourages other students to take chances on opportunities that may seem impossible.

“There were moments where I thought maybe I wouldn’t get it,” Garcia said. “But if I had talked myself out of applying, I never would have had this opportunity in the first place.”

To Garcia, the scholarship represents more than financial support for a trip abroad. It represents years of personal growth, persistence, and belief in herself.

What started as a vision written on a mock check has now become a real journey waiting to begin.

In India, Garcia visited a nursing school in Kerala, where she met students from South India who were studying to become nurses. During her time there, she had the opportunity to shadow the students and observe the work they were doing within their communities. One of the most impactful experiences for Garcia was visiting a rural village that was almost completely cut off from society. Alongside the nursing students, she watched as they administered medication and basic treatments to villagers who welcomed them into their community. Some of the villagers invited Garcia and the group into their homes, sharing their land, traditions, and daily way of life. Garcia said the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for the sense of community and compassion she witnessed throughout the trip.

She also visited a hospital in Kerala, where she learned that many nurses earned the equivalent of about $500 a month. Despite the low salary, Garcia noticed that the nurses remained deeply committed to caring for others. “The nurses didn’t care about the money,” Garcia said. “They were working for their community members. ”According to Garcia, seeing that level of dedication completely changed her perspective on healthcare and service.

 Beyond the educational experiences, Garcia was also able to explore many cultural landmarks throughout India, including the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. She recalled feeling welcomed everywhere she went and described moments where locals dressed her in traditional saris and treated her “like a local princess.” Garcia said some of her favorite memories included visiting temples, helping prepare naan for villagers during breakfast, riding elephants through Northern India, and exploring beautiful forts and historic sites. “I’ll never forget the bonds I made in India,” Garcia said. “Not only with the people there, but also with the students I traveled with from Molloy.” She added that the hospitality throughout the trip was unforgettable. From hotels to conferences, Garcia said she was greeted with fresh flower leis, vibrant decorations, and welcoming ceremonies that made every experience feel meaningful. “These experiences will stay with me forever,” Garcia said.